Air-Fried Cornbread: Is It Possible?

Cornbread is a classic side dish, but can you make it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Making cornbread in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that will leave you with a delicious, fluffy, and moist side to accompany your meal.

There are many recipes for air fryer cornbread, some using a boxed mix as a base and others featuring a from-scratch recipe. The choice is yours! You can even make cornbread muffins in your air fryer if you don't want the hassle of slicing.

So, if you're after a tasty side dish without the oven space, give air fryer cornbread a go!

Air fryer cornbread ingredients

Air fryer cornbread is a quick and easy dish to make, and it's a great alternative to using an oven or skillet. The ingredients are simple and can be adapted to your taste.

For a basic cornbread, you will need:

• Cornmeal (a finely ground, basic yellow cornmeal is best)
• Flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt (kosher or regular)
• Butter (melted)
• Milk (buttermilk is recommended, though any kind will work)
• Honey or maple syrup

Some recipes also call for eggs, sugar, and/or vegetable oil. If you want to make your cornbread a little spicy, you can add some chopped jalapeños or chili peppers. For a cheesy twist, add some shredded cheese.

If you don't want to make the cornbread from scratch, you can use a box of Jiffy Cornbread mix, which is a great, inexpensive option. Simply follow the instructions on the box, and you're good to go!

How to make cornbread in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Cornmeal
• Flour (AP or whole wheat)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• Milk (any kind, including non-dairy)
• Honey or maple syrup
• Egg

Optional Ingredients

• Whole kernel corn
• Bacon bits or crumbles
• Diced chillies
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Oven mitt
• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Air fryer baking pan or oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer
• Silicone muffin cups or liners (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F for 5 minutes. If you are using a cast-iron skillet, place it in the air fryer to heat up as well.
• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
• Add in the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
• Remove the skillet from the air fryer using an oven mitt. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet, swirling to coat the sides.
• Spoon the batter into the hot skillet. Reduce the temperature to 300°F and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
• If making muffins, spray silicone muffin liners with cooking spray and fill 3/4 full with batter. Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
• Allow the cornbread to cool before serving.

Tips

• For a spicy version, drizzle baked cornbread with jalapeño simple syrup or mix it with butter to make jalapeño butter.
• You can make buttermilk by stirring 1 teaspoon of white vinegar into a glass of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Allowing the batter to sit for 5 minutes will let the baking powder create air bubbles, preventing your cornbread from becoming dense.
• For sweeter cornbread, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
• Cornbread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to store air fryer cornbread

Air fryer cornbread is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, there are a few ways to store them.

Storing Air Fryer Cornbread in the Fridge

Leftover cornbread can be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge for up to a week.

Storing Air Fryer Cornbread in the Freezer

You can also freeze cornbread to enjoy at a later date. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the cornbread overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for three to five minutes.

Reheating Air Fryer Cornbread

To reheat cornbread in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 325°F and place a piece of cornbread in the basket. Air fry for two to four minutes or until warmed through.

Tips for the best cornbread in the air fryer

Choose the Right Pan

Use a pan that is not too thick, otherwise, your cornbread won't cook properly. A 7-inch or 8-inch round cake pan or a bundt cake pan is a good option, as it fits most basket air fryers. If you're using a bundt pan, don't fill it to the top, as the centre won't cook properly. A 6-inch springform pan will also work.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before adding the cornbread. This helps the cornbread cook evenly.

Mix Your Ingredients Properly

Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as you mix, so that everything is properly incorporated. However, don't overmix the cornbread batter, as this will result in tough, dry, and crumbly cornbread. Lumps are fine in cornbread batter!

Let the Batter Sit

Letting the batter sit for 5-20 minutes before pouring it into the pan allows the baking powder to activate, creating a fluffier cornbread.

Check for Doneness with a Toothpick

Your cornbread is done when a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Get Creative with Toppings and Mix-Ins

Try topping your cornbread with butter, honey, maple syrup, or jam, or get creative with jalapeño cheddar butter, sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, or melted butter. You can also add shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, honey or maple syrup, sweet corn, or bacon bits to the batter for a tasty twist.

What to serve with air fryer cornbread

Air fryer cornbread is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas on what to serve with air fryer cornbread:

• Chilli: Air fryer cornbread goes well with chilli, whether it's a comforting bowl of chicken chilli or a spicy vegetarian option like butternut squash chilli.
• BBQ Ribs: Cornbread is a classic side dish for barbecue ribs. It's a match made in heaven, with the sweet and savoury cornbread complementing the smoky, saucy ribs.
• Steaks: For a hearty dinner, serve air fryer cornbread with a juicy steak. The cornbread can help soak up all the delicious steak juices.
• Pork Dishes: There is something special about the combination of cornbread and pork. Try it with air fryer pork chops, pork loin, or a holiday ham.
• Fried Chicken: Whether it's crispy fried chicken or a healthier air-fried version, cornbread is a perfect side dish to complete the meal.
• Breakfast: Air fryer cornbread is a great breakfast option, too. Serve it with eggs, whether they're scrambled, fried, or in an omelette.
• Jam or Chutney: For a sweet and savoury combination, spread some jam or chutney on your air fryer cornbread. It's a simple yet delicious snack or breakfast option.
• Soups and Stews: Cornbread can be a great side for soups and stews, like a hearty beef and barley soup or a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup.
• Salads: For a lighter meal, pair air fryer cornbread with a fresh salad. It can add some crunch and flavour to your greens.

Frequently asked questions